Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty & Satisfying – A comforting blend of ground meat, rice, and seasonings wrapped in tender cabbage leaves.
- Rich & Flavorful – Slow-cooked in a savory tomato sauce for maximum depth of flavor.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner.
- Customizable – Adjust the seasoning or filling to suit your taste.
- A Family Favorite – This timeless dish is beloved across generations!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage (about 2–3 lbs)
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sour cream (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Submerge the whole head of cabbage for 2–3 minutes, just until the outer leaves soften.
- Use tongs to remove the softened leaves and place them on a plate to cool.
- Repeat the process until you have 12–14 usable leaves.
- Trim the thick stem at the base of each leaf to make rolling easier.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Now you’re ready to assemble and cook your delicious stuffed cabbage rolls!
